Boston, Massachusetts – Drivers along the New England coastline have less than 48 hours to prepare as a strengthening coastal storm threatens snow-covered highways, 50+ mph wind gusts, and possible coastal flooding beginning late Sunday and intensifying through Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s Weather Prediction Center, low pressure will develop near the Mid-Atlantic coast late this weekend before rapidly strengthening offshore Sunday into Monday. Moderate winter storm impacts are possible from Connecticut through Maine, with hazardous driving conditions likely between 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Tuesday.
In Massachusetts, I-93, Route 1, and stretches of I-95 near Boston could see snowfall rates topping 1 inch per hour at times, combined with wind gusts over 50 mph. Those winds may reduce visibility below 1 mile and create blowing snow across exposed bridges. Minor coastal flooding is also possible along Morrissey Boulevard and other low-lying shoreline roads during high tide Monday.
Farther north, Portland and coastal Maine face 4 to 8 inches of snow, with gusts nearing 60 mph along I-295 and U.S. Route 1. Power outages could impact thousands if winds down tree limbs onto utility lines.
Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut, including Providence and New Haven, may see 2 to 5 inches of accumulation, with slick conditions developing on I-95 and I-84 before the Monday morning commute.
Residents should charge devices, avoid unnecessary travel after sunset Sunday, and monitor updates from state DOT agencies. Confidence in storm development is high, but small shifts in track could significantly change snowfall totals and wind impacts. Additional advisories or warnings are likely as the system strengthens offshore.
